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⭐ Seals Of Norfolk Photo Tour Highlights – November 2025

  • Dec 2, 2025
  • 3 min read

Norfolk's seal colonies are surely on of the UK's greatest wildlife spectacles, with marvellous opportunities for the wildlife photographer.


In November I ran two small-group Seals Of Norfolk wildlife photography tours, with photographers joining me from England, the Netherlands, Sweden and Pakistan. We stayed in a beachfront cottage right beside the UK's largest Grey Seal colony, spending six dawn and dusk sessions photographing the seals through the height of the pupping season.


I've been coming to Norfolk for more than 30 years, and this remains one of my favourite spots to photograph wildlife. The huge skies, open beaches and winter light create an incredible setting, while staying in one location with one species gives us the time to really get under the skin of the place and refine our photography with regular image feedback and tuition as the week progresses.


Here are just a few highlights from the tours.


Seeing the colony for the first time is an experience in itself. The sheer number of seals can be a sensory overwhelm. So we take our time. There are pups playing in the sand, bulls fighting, mothers tending their young, seals swimming in the surf. The first afternoon session is as much about watching and understanding the colony as it is about photography.
Seeing the colony for the first time is an experience in itself. The sheer number of seals can be a sensory overwhelm. So we take our time. There are pups playing in the sand, bulls fighting, mothers tending their young, seals swimming in the surf. The first afternoon session is as much about watching and understanding the colony as it is about photography.
Seal pups are an obvious favourite. With their enormous dark eyes, expressive lithe bodies, and their yellow-white coats glowing in the sun, there are endless opportunities for endearing portraits and playful images. We always maintain a respectful distance and let the animals dictate the encounter, using long lenses and careful positioning to photograph without interfering.
Seal pups are an obvious favourite. With their enormous dark eyes, expressive lithe bodies, and their yellow-white coats glowing in the sun, there are endless opportunities for endearing portraits and playful images. We always maintain a respectful distance and let the animals dictate the encounter, using long lenses and careful positioning to photograph without interfering.
"I have done the Seals trip three times and it's a lot of fun. Paul always works hard to ensure we have great photo opportunities without disturbing the wildlife. The organisation is excellent, and Paul provides very helpful photo advice." - Richard
We are usually on the beach before sunrise, as the colony wakes and the first light comes up over the sea. We ease our way into the colony's rhythm.
We are usually on the beach before sunrise, as the colony wakes and the first light comes up over the sea. We ease our way into the colony's rhythm.
Under my guidance, guests watch, learn, and start to experiment. Strong side light transforms a familiar seal into a sculpture of light, shadow and drifting sand. These early idea tests can be some of the most rewarding sessions of the week.
Under my guidance, guests watch, learn, and start to experiment. Strong side light transforms a familiar seal into a sculpture of light, shadow and drifting sand. These early idea tests can be some of the most rewarding sessions of the week.
Watching a bull gallumphing along the beach is quite a spectacle. Their sheer size and weight give them an incredible sense of energy, particularly when photographed from a low angle. We experimented with different shutter speeds, compositions and perspectives while always keeping a sensible distance and allowing the seals plenty of space.
Watching a bull gallumphing along the beach is quite a spectacle. Their sheer size and weight give them an incredible sense of energy, particularly when photographed from a low angle. We experimented with different shutter speeds, compositions and perspectives while always keeping a sensible distance and allowing the seals plenty of space.
Norfolk can deliver some wild weather in November, and when the wind picks up, we make the most of it. Blowing sand, dramatic skies and powerful bull seals make for very different images from those captured on calmer mornings.
Norfolk can deliver some wild weather in November, and when the wind picks up, we make the most of it. Blowing sand, dramatic skies and powerful bull seals make for very different images from those captured on calmer mornings.
Many carry scars from previous battles. As the week progresses we begin to recognise individual animals and their personalities. Low-level portraits and extreme close-ups can reveal just how characterful these enormous animals are.
Many carry scars from previous battles. As the week progresses we begin to recognise individual animals and their personalities. Low-level portraits and extreme close-ups can reveal just how characterful these enormous animals are.
Want to experience some of the UK's best wildlife for yourself? → Find out more about my Seals Of Norfolk Photography Tour
Sheltered sections of the beach become important nursery areas. We were able to witness some incredibly tender moments between mothers and newborn pups. Watching relationships and behaviour unfold is what makes spending time here so rewarding.
Sheltered sections of the beach become important nursery areas. We were able to witness some incredibly tender moments between mothers and newborn pups. Watching relationships and behaviour unfold is what makes spending time here so rewarding.

As young pups attempt to suckle from older animals, mothers defend their young and adults interact in ways that can change in a split second.
As young pups attempt to suckle from older animals, mothers defend their young and adults interact in ways that can change in a split second.

"Paul's local knowledge and experience of seals is invaluable. He took our group to amazing off-the-beaten-track locations, offered creative and practical shooting advice for achieving stand-out images. A wonderful trip - I'll be back next year!, " - Emily
As the week progresses, we refine our ideas. Perhaps guests are looking for a particular behaviour, or want to try a new technique out. For this portrait, deliberately overexposing the highlights created a soft, almost monochromatic image while retaining the intense gaze, whiskers and subtle blue tones around the pup's eyes.
As the week progresses, we refine our ideas. Perhaps guests are looking for a particular behaviour, or want to try a new technique out. For this portrait, deliberately overexposing the highlights created a soft, almost monochromatic image while retaining the intense gaze, whiskers and subtle blue tones around the pup's eyes.

Staying With The Seals


What guests love about this wildlife photography holiday is the opportunity to stay with one species and really get to know it.


Over several days, familiar seal faces emerge, behaviours become easier to anticipate and interesting photographic ideas begin to develop. We can return to the same beaches in completely different conditions and find something new each time.


Thank you to everyone who joined me this November. It was a pleasure sharing this extraordinary corner of Norfolk with you.


Paul Alistair Collins

Want to experience Norfolks' Grey Seals for yourself? Join me on the next Seals Of Norfolk photography tour, where we immerse ourselves within the colony.→ Book your place on the next small group photo tour to Norfolk.

Species Highlights: Grey Seal, Snow Bunting, Pink-Footed Goose, Barn Owl, Short-Eared Owl, Fieldfare, Roe Deer, Chinese Water Deer, Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tit.

 
 
 

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